It’s time to take canned tuna seriously and use this pantry-friendly protein for more than tuna melt sandwiches. We always keep a few cans on hand so we can make our favorite canned tuna recipes—which include everything from quick weeknight pasta to tasty, hearty salads as well as twists on comfort food classics and new, innovative dishes.
Whatever you go for, what’s the biggest takeaway here? Canned tuna is a versatile, healthy ingredient you should keep in your kitchen—and use it to make all of these recipes, of course.
White Bean and Tuna Salad
Here’s a quick and easy salad for dinner. It’s also a low-cook option; you only need to turn on the stove for the beans and simply mix it with tuna and spinach before serving.
No-Cook Tomato-Tuna Sauce With Spaghetti
This is the easiest, most delicious pasta recipe. We think it rivals our famed One-Pan Pasta for flavor and ease—and it beats it on protein thanks to the canned tuna (which also gives the sauce a salty flavor).
No-Mayo Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Mix it up—your tuna salad, that is. This mayo-free version features a punchy lemon-caper vinaigrette. We serve it with a crisp green salad and crackers.
Tuna Cakes With Arugula-Tomato Salad
We turn to these tuna cakes when we want to switch things up. Tuna is amped up with Dijonnaise, lemon juice, and diced pickles. The grated carrot adds moisture and nutrition—and the patties are coated in panko before they’re pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside (but remain soft within).
Spaghetti With Tuna and Caper Sauce
This fast pantry dinner partners canned tuna with garlic, capers, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Dinner is on the table in 30 minutes.
Emeril’s Kicked-Up Tuna Melts
This diner classic makes a quick, comforting meal, and the broil will practically do the job for you. Before browning them in the oven, top the tuna with tomato slices and any mild melting cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Pasta With Peperonata Tuna and Olives
An unexpected combination of flavors delights in this bright, easy pasta. Bell peppers are cooked until tender and jammy to create a sauce. Canned tuna adds protein and golden raisins, Kalamata olives, and Parmesan cheese bring sweetness and salty contrasts.
Tuna Noodle Casserole With Cauliflower
Here’s a modern update on a family favorite that we think you’ll really like. When making our new take on the tuna casserole, swap in long swirls of pappardelle to replace the usual short egg noodles. We also think you’ll love how cauliflower, a decidedly unexpected addition, pairs with the creamy sauce.
Salad Niçoise
Forego the bread and go for this classic French salad, the proper way. The Niçoise combines imported canned tuna, hard-boiled egg, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives, and an easy, tangy vinaigrette to bring it all together.
Chickpea and Tuna Dip
This might just be hummus 2.0. Combining tuna with chickpeas makes a chunky dip that’s just right for all your favorite crudités or crunchy chips.
One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta
Our one-pan tuna pasta recipe is quick and satisfying. Cooking the pasta with the rest of the dish creates a creamy sauce. Fresh asparagus and arugula are added just before serving to make a balanced meal.
